20-Foot Cattle Trailer — The Workhorse of the Ranch
The 20-foot cattle trailer is one of the most popular sizes Star Manufacturing builds. It sits at the crossroads of versatility and capacity — big enough to move a meaningful load of cattle without requiring a dedicated semi, and available in both bumper pull and gooseneck configurations to match your truck setup. Whether you're running a cow-calf operation, moving stocker cattle between pastures, or hauling to the sale barn every week, a well-built 20-footer handles the job.
Star Manufacturing builds 20-foot trailers at our Wharton, TX facility using the same 5/16" thick, 3×5 heavy angle frame and seam-welded construction that defines every trailer we make. These aren't entry-level builds — they're production-grade trailers built to work hard for decades.
20-Foot Cattle Trailer Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 20 feet |
| Width Options | 6'8", 7'0", 7'6" |
| Frame | 5/16" thick, 3×5 heavy angle steel — seam welded |
| Hitch Type | Bumper pull (2-5/16" ball) or gooseneck |
| Axles | Tandem axle standard |
| Finish Options | Painted steel or full hot dip galvanized |
| Cattle Capacity | Approximately 5–9 head of mature cattle (varies by size and configuration) |
| Gate Configuration | Rear slam latch gate standard; slider gate, sorting gate, nose cut available |
| Floor | Treated hardwood or rubber mat flooring options |
| Manufacture Location | Wharton, TX |
Bumper Pull vs. Gooseneck: Which Is Right for Your 20-Footer?
At 20 feet, you have a genuine choice between bumper pull and gooseneck. Each has real advantages depending on your operation:
20-Foot Bumper Pull
- Works with any truck equipped with a 2-5/16" ball and adequate towing capacity
- Easier to maneuver in tight spaces — no gooseneck coupler to work around
- Better option if multiple drivers with different trucks will use the trailer
- Slightly lighter overall than a gooseneck of the same length
- Maximum loaded weight approaching 14,000–16,000 lbs depending on configuration
20-Foot Gooseneck
- Superior tongue weight distribution — puts weight over the rear axle of your truck
- More stable at highway speed with heavy cattle loads
- Better option if you frequently haul at or near maximum capacity
- Required by many ranchers who already have a gooseneck-equipped truck
- Pairs naturally with 1-ton and heavy-duty pickup trucks
For most full-time ranching operations moving 6–9 head regularly, the gooseneck configuration at 20 feet is the better long-term choice. For occasional hauling or multi-purpose use, the bumper pull offers more flexibility. Use our quote builder to price both options side by side.
What Load Does a 20-Foot Cattle Trailer Handle?
In a 7-foot wide configuration, a 20-foot trailer gives you approximately 140 square feet of floor space. Here's a practical loading guide:
- Mature cows (1,000–1,400 lbs): 5–7 head comfortably; 8–9 tight but within BQA transport guidelines for short hauls
- Stocker steers (500–750 lbs): 8–12 head depending on weight and trailer width
- Cow-calf pairs: 4–5 pairs with calves at side
- Yearlings (700–900 lbs): 7–10 head
- Weaned calves (400–550 lbs): 12–16 head
Always follow BQA (Beef Quality Assurance) transport density guidelines. Overcrowding stresses animals, causes injury, and can result in dead-on-arrival losses that cost more than any trailer savings.
The Case for Hot Dip Galvanizing on a 20-Footer
A 20-foot cattle trailer is a significant investment. The hot dip galvanized finish option at Star Manufacturing protects that investment for the life of the trailer. The entire trailer — frame, floor supports, uprights, gates, hardware — is submerged in a bath of molten zinc that bonds metallurgically with the steel. It coats the inside of every weld seam and hollow section where spray coatings can't reach.
On a working cattle trailer that sees urine, manure, blood, pressure washing, and outdoor storage year-round, painted steel begins rusting within 3–5 years even with good maintenance. Galvanized steel essentially doesn't rust. The 20+ year service life on a galvanized Star trailer isn't marketing — it's what our customers report from their own operations.
See our full breakdown on the hot dip galvanized cattle trailers page, or compare with our heavy-duty construction overview.
Customization Options for the 20-Foot Trailer
Every Star Manufacturing trailer is built to order from our Wharton, TX shop:
- Width: 6'8", 7'0", or 7'6" inside width
- Finish: painted steel or hot dip galvanized
- Top style: bar top (open livestock bars), solid side, or combination
- Gates: rear slam latch, slider gate, center sort gate, nose cut
- Floor: treated hardwood, rubber matting
- Lighting: LED package
- Tires and wheels: upgraded options available
Get instant pricing on your configuration using the online quote builder, or call (979) 532-1486 to talk through your specific requirements with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions — 20-Foot Cattle Trailer
What truck do I need to pull a 20-foot cattle trailer?
A loaded 20-foot bumper pull cattle trailer can weigh 12,000–16,000 lbs. You need a minimum 1-ton truck (F-350, Ram 3500, Silverado 3500) for a bumper pull at this size. For a gooseneck 20-footer fully loaded, a 1-ton dually is the standard recommendation for stability and payload capacity compliance.
Is a 20-foot bumper pull or gooseneck better for a ranch truck?
If your ranch truck has a gooseneck ball, the gooseneck configuration is generally better for heavy loads — more stable, better weight distribution. If you frequently swap between multiple trucks or trailers, bumper pull is more flexible. Both are available from Star Manufacturing at 20 feet.
How does a 20-foot trailer compare to a 24-foot gooseneck?
The 24-foot gooseneck adds about 28 square feet of floor space, allowing you to haul 2–3 more head comfortably. If you regularly find yourself loading your 20-footer to maximum and wishing for more room, the 24-foot gooseneck is the natural upgrade. See our gooseneck cattle trailers page for full size comparisons.
Can a 20-foot trailer handle bulls?
Yes, but use caution with aggressive bulls. A 20-foot trailer with a slider gate divider is the safest configuration for hauling bulls separately from other cattle. Star Manufacturing can build your 20-footer with a center slider gate to create separate compartments.
How long does Star Manufacturing take to build a 20-foot trailer?
Lead times vary with order volume. Use the quote builder or call (979) 532-1486 for current lead times. We're located at 2507 County Rd 231, Wharton, TX 77488 — many buyers come to pick up in person.
Configure your 20-foot cattle trailer today. Use our instant quote builder for pricing, explore our full cattle trailer lineup, or call (979) 532-1486. Built in Wharton, TX — shipping nationwide.